Saturday, January 28, 2006

1. Prior to his reformation and renunciation of the world, Hadhrat Fuzail was the chief of a band of highway robbers. He operated in the desert attacking and looting passing caravans. Even while a bandit he wore simple garments of sackcloth and a woollen cap. A tasbeeh was always strung around his neck. When his band of dacoits brought their plunder, he would take whatever he desired and distribute the remainder among them.

Although his profession was dacoity, he always performed Salaat in Jamaat. He would expel any member of his band, who did not participate in Jamaat Salaat. Another noble trait in him was that he had strict instructions for observing the Purdah of the female travellers in the caravans. Sufficient means for continuance of the caravan's journey were also left with the people. Fuzail Bin Iyaaz would also keep account of the persons and the amounts he robbed. (Allah Ta'ala had wonderful plans for Hadhrat Fuzail, hence these noble characteristics were in him despite him being the leader of dacoits.)

2. Once a big caravan laden with wealth had to pass through the territory where Fuzail's bandits operated. As the caravan approached his territory, the people were gripped by fear and worry. Before entering into the feared zone, a man who had brought along considerable wealth thought of burying his wealth in the wilderness. Even if the caravan is looted, his gold and silver would be safe. While searching in the wilderness for a convenient place to conceal his gold, he came across a tent in which a buzrug was sitting on his musalla engrossed in Thikrullah. This was an ideal place to hide the gold. He spoke to the buzrug who indicated to the merchant to leave the bag in one corner of the tent. After doing do, he left for the caravan.

As expected, Fuzail's bandits looted the caravan. After the robbers had left, the merchant returned to the tent to reclaim his wealth. When he reached the tent, he was shocked to discover that all the bandits were there dividing the loot. Now to his dismay he realised the 'buzrug' was Fuzail, the leader of the bandits. He lamented the fact that he had destroyed his wealth with his own hands.

When Fuzail saw the merchant, he called him. Full of fear, the merchant stepped forward. Fuzail asked: "What do you want?" Merchant: "I came for my amaanat (trust) which I left by you." Fuzail: "Take it from where you had left it." At first the merchant thought Fuzail was mocking him. However, when Fuzail insisted, the merchant took his bag. Surprised and amazed he left for the caravan.

In surprise, the robbers asked: "Why did you return his money? We did not obtain any money in this caravan." Fuzail said: "He trusted me and entertained a good opinion of me. I, therefore, honoured his trust. I hold a good opinion of Allah Ta'ala. By His fadhl, He too will uphold my hopes in His mercy."

After this episode, the bandits looted another caravan in which they had acquired much wealth. When they sat down to eat, one of the travellers asked for their leader. The bandits said: "He is at the riverside engaged in Salaat." Traveller: "This is not the time for Salaat." Bandit: "He engages in Nafl Salaat." Traveller: "Why does he not eat with you?" Bandit: "He is fasting." Traveller: "It is not Ramadhaan." Bandit: "He keep Nafl fasts."

Hearing this, the traveller was very surprised. He went to Fuzail and asked: "Tell me, what relationship is there between robbery and Salaat, Saum?" Fuzail: "Do you know the Qur'aan?" Traveller: "Yes." Fuzail: "Did you not recite the aayat:

This reply surprised the traveller even more. He left wondering at the condition of this leader of the bandits.

3. In the beginning he was deeply in love with a woman. He would send his share of the looted wealth to this woman.

4. One night when a caravan entered Fuzail's territory, he heard a Qari reciting:

"What! Has the time not arrived for the believers that their hearts mellow with fear for the thikr of Allah?"

This aayat struck Fuzail's heart like an arrow. He exclaimed: "Alas! How long will I continue ruining my life with banditry? The time has arrived for travelling in the path of Allah." He was overcome with profound regret and wept abundantly. He resolved to reform himself.

5. After repenting, Fuzail Bin Iyaaz set out for another wilderness. He found that a caravan had put up camp there. He heard a traveller telling his companion: "We are about to enter Fuzail's domain. We have to be careful." Fuzail said: "Have no fear. I have repented. I now am fleeing from you."

6. After repenting, Fuzail journied to meet all those people whose rights he had plundered. He had to make amends otherwise his repentance would be incomplete. All his victims except a Jew, forgave him. The Jew said: "If you want me to forgive you, then remove this dune of sand in front of us. For many days, Fuzail laboured, carrying away the sand. One day Allah Ta'ala sent a strong wind which blew all the sand of the dune away. When the Jew saw what had happened, he said: "I had taken an oath that as long as you do not return my money, I shall not forgive you. Near my bed is a bag of Ashrafis (gold coins). Bring it to me so that my oath is fulfilled to enable me to forgive you." Fuzail took the bag and gave it to the Jew. When the Jew opened the bag, he said: "First make me a Muslim, then I shall forgive you."

After the Jew had embraced Islam, he said: "Do you know why I became a Muslim?" Fuzail: "I do not know." Former Jew: "I have read in the Taurah that when a man who has sincerely repented touches sand, it becomes gold. That bag had contained some sand which turned into gold by your touch. I have now realised the truth of your Deen."

7. Once Fuzail said to a man: "Take me to the king. In my lifetime I had committed many crimes. I want the king to punish me. The man took Fuzail to the king and put forward his request. The king, however, recognized him and honoured him. He ordered all present to honour and revere Fuzail. A group of noblemen was sent by the king to accompany Fuzail until his home. This treatment greatly grieved him. Seeing his grief, his wife asked: "Are you wounded?" Fuzail: "Yes, I have been wounded." His wife: "Where?" Fuzail: "My heart has been wounded."

8. When Fuzail resolved to go for Hajj, he said to his wife: "I intend to go for Hajj. The road is difficult and treacherous. I do not want to impose any hardship on you. If you wish, I shall set you free." His wife: "I have been with you all these years. I have never been separated from you. I shall live with you and serve you. I shall go with you." They thus set off together on the journey which Allah Ta'ala made easy for them. He finally settled in Makkah Muazzamah.

9. In addition to having met many Auliyaa, Fuzail stayed for some time in the company of Imaan Abu Hanifah (rahmatullah alayh) gaining considerable knowledge.

10. The people of Makkah would attend Fuzail's discourses. Once some of his relatives came to visit him in Makkah. He did not open the door. Standing on the balcony, he said: "May Allah Ta'ala bestow good intelligence to you. May He keep you occupied in some pious activity."

The manner in which he delivered his naseehat made such an impact on his relatives that they all fainted. When they became conscious, they left to return to their homeland. Fuzail, standing long on the balcony, gazed sadly at them, crying and making dua for them until they disappeared from sight.

11. One night, the renowned Khalifah, Haroun Ar-Rashid said to his wazier: "Take me to a buzrug, for my heart has become hard and corrupt." The wazier (prime minister) took the Khalifah to Hadhrat Sufyaan Bin Uyainah (rahmatullah alayh). The wazier knocked at the door. Sufyaan Bin Uyainah asked: "Who is it?" Wazier: "Ameerul Mu'mineen has come." Sufyaan: "Why did you not inform me earlier. I myself would have come to meet him." Hearing this, Haroun Ar-Rashid said: "This is not the type of buzrug I am searching for. Why have you brought me here?" Hadhrat Sufyaan said: "That type of buzrug is Fuzail Bin Iyaaz and no one else." When they arrived at Hadhrat Fuzail's home, the wazier knocked on the door. Fuzail: "Who are you?" Wazier: "Ameerul Mu'mineen is here." Fuzail: "What work has he with me? Do not take up my time." Wazier: "Obedience to the Ameer is incumbent." Fuzail: "Don't distress me." Wazier: "Permit us to enter otherwise we shall enter without permission." Fuzail: "You have no permission. To enter without permission is your decision." Both entered. Fuzail extinguished the lamp so that his eyes do not fall on Haroun Ar-Rashid. The room was in darkness. Haroun Ar-Rashid managed to take Fuzail's hand. Fuzail said: "How tender is this hand. If only it could be saved from Jahannum." So saying, he began performing Salaat. The Khalifah wept. When Fuzail completed the Salaat, Haroun Ar-Rashid said: "Give me some advice." Fuzail: "Your father was the paternal uncle of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) . – Haroun Ar-Rashid was a Sayyid. – He, (i.e. Hadhrat Abbaas –(ra) had asked Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) : 'Appoint me the ruler of some region.' Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) said: 'I appoint you the ruler of your nafs. Your nafs in Allah's obedience is better than a thousand years of people's obedience (to you). On the Day of Qiyaamah, (earthly) kingdom will be the cause of regret." Haroun Ar-Rashid: "Say something more." Fuzail: "When Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez became the Khalifah, he sent for Hadhrat Saalim Bin Abdullah, Hadhrat Rajaa Bin Hayaat and Hadhrat Muhammad Bin Ka'b (rahmatullah alayhim), and said: 'I have become involved in this affair (of the Khilaafat). Guide me.' One of the three elders said: 'If you desire salvation in Qiyaamah, treat the aged Muslims as you would treat your mother and father; the young like your brothers; the children like your own children; women like your mother and sisters."

Haroun Ar-Rashid: "Say something more." Fuzail: "Be kind to the pious and do good to your offspring and brothers. I fear that your handsome form may perhaps be entering Jahannum. Your face will there become ugly." Haroun Ar-Rashid wept and said: "Say something more." Fuzail: "Fear Allah! Be prepared to answer to Him. On the Day of Qiyaamah, Allah will question you about every single one of your subjects. If even an old lady in your domain slept hungry, on the Day of Qiyaamah she will grab hold of you and demand justice in the Divine Court." Unable to bear the impact of this naseehat, the Khalifah fainted. The wazier said to Fuzail: "This is enough. You have killed Ameerul Mu'mineen." Fuzail: "O Haamaan! Be quiet! I have not killed him. You and your people have killed him." (Haamaan was the wazier of Fir'oun.) By this time Haroun Ar-Rashid had regained conscious and had heard the comments of Fuzail. The Khalifah said to the wazier: "Have you heard? He said that you are Haamaan, which means I am Fir'oun." Addressing Fuzail, the Khalifah said: "Hadhrat, do you have any debt?" Fuzail: "Yes, I am indebted to Allah." Haroun Ar-Rashid: "I am asking about debt owing to people." Fuzail: "Allah Ta'ala has bestowed bounties to me in such abundance that I have no need to incur debt." Haroun Ar-Rashid presenting a bag containing 1,000 dinars said: "I have acquired this in a lawful way. It came to me as inheritance from my mother. Do accept it." Fuzail: Alas! You have derived no benefit from my naseehat. It is indeed surprising that while I have called you towards salvation, you plan to ruin me. I said that you should give to those who deserve, but you give to those who do not deserve." Fuzail then asked Haroun Ar-Rashid to leave. He closed the door on them. Outside, the Khalifah said to his wazier: "Truly, this is a man of piety and excellence."

12. One day, Fuzail taking his son in his lap played with him. The boy said: "Do you love me?" Fuzail: "Yes." The son: "You also love Allah. The love of two cannot co-exist in one heart." Fuzail understood that this comment of the boy was a reminder from Allah Ta'ala. He put the boy down and became absorbed in ibaadat.

13. Someone asked: "When does a man attain excellence in his relationship with Allah Ta'ala?" Fuzail said: "When obtainal and denial (of bounties of Allah) are the same."

14. Imaam Ahmad Bin Hambal (rahmatullah alayh) said that he heard Fuzail Bin Iyaaz (rahmatullah alayh) say: "The searcher of the world is contemptible." He also said: "Remain a follower. Do not become a leader. It is nobler to be a follower."

15. His love for solitude constrained him to say: "I wish to become sick so that I be prevented from meeting people." (Severe illness will allow him to be absent from the Musjid. He will thus be in solitude.) "One should take to solitude in such a place where no one sees one."

16. Fuzail said: "I am grateful to a man who does not greet me when he sees me and does not visit me when I am sick."

"A man who mingles with people is far from goodness." "The tongue of a person who fear Allah, remains silent." "When Allah befriends a man, He casts him in difficulties and He gives prosperity to His enemy." (i.e. Worldly prosperity which in reality is a delusion, the end of which is everlasting perdition.) "Everything has its fixed Zakaat. The Zakaat of Aql (intelligence) is contemplation. It is for this reason that Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) was always seen in a contemplative mood." "Just as weeping in Jannat is surprising, so too is laughing on earth surprising. Neither is Jannat an abode of crying nor is the world a place of laughing." "A man who has Allah's fear, does not indulge in futility. The love of the world does not occur to him." "All things fear a man who fear Allah and a man who does not fear Allah, fears all things." "A man's fear (for Allah) is proportionate to his knowledge (of Allah)." "A man's zuhd on earth is proportionate to his love for the Aakhirah." (The greater his love for the Aakhirah, the more will he abstain from the world and its pleasures.) "Allah has accumulated all evils in one place. Its key is this world." "It is easy to enter the world, but to leave it freed of liabilities is difficult." "The world is like an asylum and its inmates like insane people. Insane people are always kept imprisoned." "Even if the Aakhirah was of sand and this world of gold, man's striving should be for the Aakhirah which is everlasting. This is more so, since the world is of sand and temporary and the Aakhirah of gold." "An arrogant man is deprived of humility. Allah Ta'ala loves humility (tawaadhu')." "It is difficult to find three persons – A practising Aalim; a man who practices righteousness with sincerity and a brother without fault." Allah curses a man who overtly professes friendship for a brother Muslim, but covertly is his enemy. It is possible that he may become blind and deaf." "A man who is pleased with the decrees of Allah, is a Zaahid and an Aarif." "True tawakkul (trust in Allah) is to sever all hope in anyone besides Allah and to fear only Him. A man of tawakkul is grateful to Allah." "If someone asks you: Are you the friend of Allah?, then remain silent. If you say that you are not, you become a kaafir. If you say that you are His friend, you are a liar because your deeds are not the deeds of a friend of Allah." "Many people emerge from the bathroom purified while many people return from the Ka'bah contaminated (with sins, i.e. there sins are not forgiven)." "Smiling in front of a faasiq ruins one's Deen." "When a man curses an animal, is responds: 'May the curse fall on the one who is the greater sinner of us two and 'Ameen' from us both." "If I am told that only one of my duas will be accepted, I shall supplicate for the good of the king. If the king becomes good, it will benefit the whole nation." "Excessive eating and excessive sleeping ruin a man." "Allah Ta'ala revealed to a Nabi: "Give sinners the glad tidings of forgiveness if they repent and warn the Siddiqeen (Auliyaa) that if on the Day of Qiyaamah, I apply the code of justice, they all will be liable for punishment."

17. Once when Fuzail saw his son polishing a dinaar (gold coin), he said: "Abandoning this futile act is better for you than ten Hajj and ten Umrah."

18. For 30 years no one saw Fuzail laugh. But when his son died, Fuzail smiled. When asked for the reason, he said: "Allah Ta'ala is pleased with my son's death, hence I smiled to conform with His pleasure."

19. Once a Qaari recited the Qur'aan beautifully. Fuzail said: "Recite to my son, but do not recite Surah Al-Qaariah. My son is overcome with excessive fear of Allah. He is unable to bear hearing about the calamities of the Aakhirah." The Qaari recited to Fuzail's son. Forgetting about Fuzail's warning, he recited also Surah Al-Qaariah. The son let out a piercing scream and dropped down dead.

20. Fuzail said: "I do not envy the Ambiya. They too have to go through the stages of the Qabr, Qiyaamat and Siraat. I do not envy the Angels. They have greater fear for Allah than man. I, however, envy the child whose mother never gave birth to it."

21. Fuzail had two daughters. He was very scrupulous in their upbringing, when he was about to die. He said to his wife:"After my death, take my daughters to Mount Abu Qais and say to Allah: "Fuzail had cared for them until his last. Fuzail has now assigned them to Your care." After his demise, his wife fulfilled his wasiyyat. While making dua, the king of Yemen happened to pass by with his retinue which included his two sons. He made enquiries and proposed that Fuzail's daughters be married to his sons. In this way did Allah Ta'ala care for the daughters of Fuzail. They married princes and lived in palaces.

1. On the night Hadhrat Rabiah (rahmatullah alayha) was born, the house was in complete darkness. Her father was unable to buy even oil for the lamp on account of his poverty. There was no garments to wrap the new born babe. She was the fourth daughter hence was named Rabiah (i.e. the fourth). Her mother asked her father (Rabiah's father) to go to a neighbour for some oil. Rabiah's father had vowed never to ask anything from anyone. However, to satisfy his wife, he went to the neighbour's house, knocked on the door and came away before anyone opened it. On his return, he told his wife that the door was not opened. Grief-stricken he fell asleep. In a dream he saw Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) telling him: "Do not grieve, this girl born to you is exceptionally fortunate and holy. By her intercession 70,000 people of my Ummah will be forgiven. Go to the governor of Basrah and convey to him this message written on a page:

"Every night you recite 100 Durood on me and on Friday night 400 times. Last Friday night you forget to recite the Durood. As a compensation for this omission give this person 400 dinars."

Rabiah's father woke up crying. He wrote out the message and went to meet the governor. He handed the letter to a guard. When the governor read the letter he was moved by the fact that Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) had remembered him. He ordered 10,000 dirhams to be given to the poor as a token of gratitude. He went out to meet Rabiah's father. After presenting him with the 400 dinars, he said: "In future whatever your needs are, come to me without any hesitation."

2. After she came of age, her parents passed away. There was a great famine in Basrah. The sisters were separated. A cruel man abducted her. He enslaved her and finally sold her cheaply. All day long she worked for her master and spend the night in ibaadat. One night her master woke up and heard her supplicating. When he went to investigate he saw a lamp miraculously hanging in mid-air above her lighting up the entire room. She was saying: "O Allah! You know that my heart's desire is to serve You, and the light of my eyes is in Your service. Since You have subjected me to be in the service of people, I am late for Your service."

Rabiah's master resolved to set her free. In the morning, he emancipated her and said: "You are free to go. If you choose to stay here, you are welcome. However, then I shall serve you." Taking permission she departed to spend her time in the ibaadat of Allah Ta'ala.

3. Once while she was in the service of her master she was sent on an errand. Along the way a man accosted her. In fright she fled, slipped and broke her hand. Praying to Allah Ta'ala she cried: "O Allah! I am forlorn, without mother and father. Now my hand too is broken. But I do not care for these calamities if You are pleased with me. Are You pleased or displeased with me?"

A voice called to her: "On the Day of Qiyaamah even the Muqarrab (very close) Angels will envy your rank."

4. Daily she performed a thousand raka'ts Nafl Salaat.

5. When she went for Hajj she took along an emaciated donkey on which was loaded her few belongings. The ass died along the journey. The people accompanying her offered to carry her belongings, but she refused, saying: "Proceed! I did not come relying on you." The caravan continued, leaving her behind. With her perfect trust in Allah Ta'ala she supplicated for His aid. Even before completing her dua, the donkey came to life. Rabiah continued her journey and reached Makkah Muazzamah.

6. Rabiah in her yearning for Allah, prayed to be shown His Vision. A Voice said to her:"If you desire Me, I shall reveal a manifestation (Tajalli) of Myself and in a moment you will be reduced to ash."

Rabiah said: "O Allah! I lack the power for Your Tajalli. I wish for the rank of Faqr (i.e. an extremely lofty spiritual status of divine proximity)."

The Voice said: "O Rabiah! Faqr is the famine of My Wrath. We have reserved it exclusively for those Men (Auliyaa) who have completely reached Us. There remains not even the distance of a hair between them and Us. At that juncture, We rebuff them and distance them from Our Proximity. Inspite of his, they do not lose hope in Us. They again commence their journey towards Us. While this is their condition, you are still wrapped in the veils of time. As long as you are with the folds of these veils and have not entered into Our Path with a true heart, it is improper for you to even mention Faqr."

The Voice then commanded Rabiah to lift her gaze towards the heaven. As she complied, she observed a vast rolling ocean of blood suspended in space. The Voice said:"This is the ocean of blood of tears of My Lovers who are lost in My Absorption. This is their first stage (in their journey to reach Allah)."

7. Once, Rabiah overcome with tiredness, fell asleep. A thief entered and took her shawl, but he was unable to find his way out. When he replaced the shawl, he saw the exit. Again he took the shawl and lost the way. He replaced the shawl and saw the way out. He repeated this process several times. Then he heard someone saying:

"Why bring a calamity on yourself? She whose shawl this is, has handed herself over to another Being. Even Shaitaan cannot approach her. A thief is not able to steal her shawl. Leave it and depart."

8. Once when Rabiah was on a mountain, the wild beasts of the jungle gathered around her and stared at her in wonder. Coincidentally, Hadhrat Hasan Basri appeared on the scene. All the animals scattered and disappeared into the jungle. In surprise he said: "The animals fled when they saw me. Why did they stay with you?" Rabiah asked: "What did you eat today?" Hasan Basri: "Meat and bread." Rabiah: "When you have eaten meat, why should they not flee?"

9. It was said to Rabiah: "Hadhrat Hasan says that if on the Day of Qiyaamah he is deprived of Allah's Vision for even a moment, he will lament so much that the inmates of Jannat will take pity on him."

Rabiah said: "True, but this claim is appropriate for only a person who does not forget Allah Ta'ala here on earth for a single moment."

10. People asked: "Why do you not take a husband?"

Rabiah responded: "I am saddled with three concerns. If you remove these worries from me, I shall take a husband. One: Tell me, will I die with Imaan? Two: On the Day of Qiyaamah will my Record of Deeds be given in my right or left hand? Three: On the Day of Qiyaamah will I be among the people of the right side or the left side?" The people said that they were unable to give her assurances regarding these issues. She said: "A woman who has these fears has no desire for a husband."

11. She was asked: "From whence have you come and whiter are you going?" Rabiah said: "I came from that world and I am returning to that world." The People asked: "What are you doing in this world?" Rabiah let out a cry of lament. They asked: "Why are you lamenting?" Rabiah said: "I obtain my rizq from that world while I am doing the work of this world."

12. When asked for the cause of her constant crying, Rabiah said: "I fear separation from Allah Ta'ala. I fear that at the time of maut I may be rebuffed and it be announced: "You do not deserve to be in Our Presence."

13. She was asked: "When is Allah pleased with a person?" Rabiah replied: "When he expresses gratitude for the effort (on His Path) just as he expresses gratitude for bounties."

14. Rabiah said: "As long as Allah Ta'ala does not grant the taufeeq, a person will not be able to repent for sins. (Thus, sincere repentance indicates acceptance of the taubah.)

15. "As long as man's heart is not alert, his other limbs cannot find the path of Allah. An alert heart is a heart lost in divine absorption. Such a heart is not in need of the aid of other limbs. This stage is called Fana (annihilation)."

16. "Only verbal istighfaar is the act of liars. When a vain person makes taubah, he should again make taubah (for the sin of vanity)."

17. Once Rabiah kept seven fasts and spent the entire night in Ibaadat. On the seventh day someone presented her a bowl of milk. When she went to fetch the lamp, a cat came and drank the milk. She decided to break fast with water. When she brought a cup of water, the lamp was extinguished. As she lifted the cup, it slipped and broke. She drew a sigh and said: "O Allah! What are You doing to me?" A Voice said: "O Rabiah! If you desire the bounties of the world, We shall bestow it to you, but then We shall remove Our love from your heart. Our love and worldly bounties cannot coexist in one heart." Henceforth, Rabiah severed all her worldly hopes and her attitude was like that of a person in his death throes. Each morning she supplicated: "O Allah! Keep me engrossed in You and do not allow the people of the world to divert me."

18. Once when Hadhrat Hasan Basri went to visit Hadhrat Rabiah, he found one of the wealthy and prominent citizens of Basrah standing with a bag of money, weeping at her door. On enquiring, he said: "I have brought this gift for Rabiah. I know she will refuse it, hence, I am crying. Do intercede for me. Perhaps she will accept it." Hasan Basri went inside and delivered the message. Rabiah said: "Since I have recognized Allah, I have renounced the world. I am not aware of its source–whether halaal or haraam?"

19. Maalik Bin Dinaar went to visit Rabiah. He found in her home only a partly broken jug which she used for wudhu and drinking water; a very old straw-mat on which she slept and a brick which she used as a pillow. Maalik Bin Dinaar said: "I have many affluent friends. Shall I ask them to bring some items for you?"

Rabiah said: "O Maalik! Is my Provider, your Provider and the provider of the wealthy not the same Being?" Maalik said: "Yes." Rabiah: "What, has He forgotten about the needs of the poor on account of their poverty while he remembers the needs of the wealthy?" Maalik Bin Dinaar: "It is not so." Rabiah: "When He never forgets anyone, why should we remind Him? He has wished this condition for me and I am pleased with it because it is His pleasure."

20. Rabiah supplicated: "O Allah! My duty and my desire on earth are Your remembrance and in the Aakhirah, Your Vision. You are the Master." "O Allah! Maintain the presence (i.e. concentration) of my heart or accept my ibaadat devoid of concentration."

21. When her time to depart from earth was near, the illustrious Mashaa-ikh gathered by her. She said: "Go away and leave place for the Angels." They all went out and closed the door. While they were waiting outside, they heard from within a voice reciting:

"O Soul at Rest! Return to your Rabb."

For a long while thereafter there was silence. When they went inside they discovered that Rabiah's soul had taken flight from this world and had reached Allah.

22. In a dream someone asked her: "What transpired when Munkar and Nakier came to You?" Rabiah said: "When they asked me: "Who is your Rabb?", I said: "Go back! Say to Allah: When You had never forgotten this weak woman despite Your remembrance of entire creation, how can she forget You when on earth You were her only remembrance? Why do you send Angels to question her?"

23. Muhammad Aslam Toosi and Nu'maa Tartoosi (rahmatullah alayhima) stood at her grave side. One of them said:

"O Rabiah! During your lifetime you made bold and audacious claims of having renounced the world. Tell us, what has transpired now with you?" From inside the grave, Hadhrat Rabiah (rahmatullah alayha) spoke:"May Allah grant me barkat in what I have seen and am seeing (i.e. of the wonders of the spiritual realm)."

1. The following episode led to his reformation and renunciation of the world:

2. Once during winter people saw him perspiring excessively. When asked for the reason, he said: "Some time ago I had a few guests who scratched off some sand from my neighbour's wall to wash their hands therewith. Although my neighbour have forgiven this act, whenever I come to this spot, I perspire (on account of fear for the misdeed committed)."

3. Once his mother said: "O Utbah! Have mercy on yourself." Utbah said: "I desire that mercy be shown to me on the Day of Qiyaamah. This world is a life of a few days. Tolerating hardships here will result in mercy and comfort in the Hereafter."

2. He said: "Abstain from the world. I have heard that on the Day of Qiyaamah an Aabid (Worshipper) who loved the world will be exhibited in the vast multitude of people and an Angel will say: 'This is the man who loved what Allah detested."

"There is nothing on earth, the ultimate end of which is not regret." "On earth there is no luxury devoid of grief." "This world is such an evil abode that even its insignificant things attract a person more than the great wonders of Jannat."

3. "I discovered all things in two things:

One: What has been ordained for me.

Two: What has not been ordained for me.

Even if I flee from the things ordained for me, they will reach me, and even if I pursue what has not been ordained for me, it will elude me."

4. Once when he passed by the butcher's shop, the butcher said: "The meat today is of high quality. Take some." Abu Haazim said: "I have no money." The butcher: "You can pay when you are able to." Abu Haazim: "Let me consult first my nafs." The butcher: "It is for this reason that you are so weak and only skin and bone." Abu Haazim: "This is sufficient for the worms (i.e. in the grave)."

5. A buzrug set out for Hajj. In Makkah Muazzamah he went to meet Abu Haazim whom he found sleeping. The buzrug waited. When Abu Haazim awoke, the buzrug greeted. Abu Haazim said: "I have just seen Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) in a dream. He said that caring for your mother is better than performing Hajj. You should cancel your plan for Hajj." The buzrug obeyed and returned home to take care of his mother.

1. Prior to his reformation, Hadhrat Habib Ajmi was an extremely wealthy money-lender. He gave loans on interest to the people of Basrah. His daily routine was to visit his debtors and extract payment. He would not return without having squeezed out payment from his hard-pressed debtors. If debtors were unable to pay, he would levy a charge for his wasted time.

One day when he visited a debtor, the latter's wife informed him that her husband was not at home. She had no money to give to Habib Ajmi. The only thing she had was some meat which Habib demanded. He took the meat, gave it to his wife and said that it was an interest payment. He instructed her to cook it. His wife complained that there was neither firewood nor flour for baking bread. He said that he will obtain both as interest from debtors. He set off to procure these items from other debtors. After a short while he returned, having extorted some firewood and flour.

His wife prepared the food. Meanwhile a beggar appeared at the door and asked for some food. Habib rebuffed him, saying that there was nothing to give. The beggar left crestfallen. When Habib's wife opened the pot to dish out the food, she was shocked to discover the pot filled with blood. She called her husband and exclaimed: "Look at the consequences of your evil." The sight of the blood shocked Habib Ajmi. His heart opened up and he said to his wife:"Be witness that I repent and shall abstain from all evil deeds."

The following day he set out of his house with the intention of waiving all the monies owing to him. A group of children playing in the street said: "Look out! Here comes Habib, the devourer of interest. Be careful! Don't let the dust under his feet contaminate you. We all will then become miserable and unfortunate as him." Those remarks grieved him. He then went to Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rahmatullah alayh) whose counselling reduced him to tears. He repented and resolved to lead a life of piety. On his way back home he met one of his debtors who promptly fled on seeing Habib Ajmi. Habib called to the debtor: "Do not flee. Now I have to flee from you."

As he proceeded home he came across the same group of boys he had met earlier. They spoke among themselves: "Give way! Habib is returning after having repented. Let not our dirt fall on him least Allah Ta'ala records us as transgressors." In sheer elation, Habib Ajmi exclaimed: "O Allah! Only today have I repented and You have so quickly exalted my name."

2. After his reformation, Habib Ajmi publicly announced the waiver of all debts owing to him. He forgave all his debtors. He contributed all his wealth in the path of Allah. When he had no more assets, a man claimed that the kurtah Habib was wearing belonged to him. Habib Ajmi removed it an handed it to the claimant. Another man claimed the shawl Habib's wife had. Habib Ajmi gave him the shawl.

3. He constructed a small hut on the bank of the river Euphrates. He and his wife spent their time worshipping in the hut. He would spend the day in the company of Hadhrat Hasan Basri and pass the night in ibaadat.

4. One day his wife told him to show some concern for bringing food as there was nothing to eat. He promised to find some work. He left home and spent the day worshipping Allah Ta'ala. When he returned home in the evening his wife said: "You have brought nothing." Habib said: "My employer is gracious, hence I was ashamed of asking for anything. He said that he will give me something after ten days." After passing of the ten days, Habib Ajmi thought: "What shall I now take home?" While he was in this thought, Allah Ta'ala sent with an unknown person a bag of flour, a slaughtered goat, a container of butter, honey and 300 dirhams.

The person who brought the goods to Habib Ajmi's home said to his wife:"When Habib comes, tell him to be more diligent in his work. I shall increase his remuneration." When Habib Ajmi returned, he was pleasantly surprised and grateful to behold the bounties sent by Allah Ta'ala.

5. Once a grieving woman came and lamented that her son was lost. She was unable to bear the separation. Habib Ajmi asked if she had anything with her. She replied that she had two dirhams. He took the two dirhams and gave it to the poor. After making dua, he said: "Go, your son has returned." Even before she reached home the child was found. Hugging him she asked for an explanation. The boy recounted the following episode:"I was in Kirmaan. My teacher sent me to buy meat. Suddenly a strong gust of wind lifted me. I heard a voice commanding:"O Wind! Blow him to his home."

6. Habib Ajmi, being a non-Arab, was unable to pronounce the Arabic words correctly. Once Hadhrat Hasan Basri arrived at Habib Ajmi's home at the time of Maghrib. Habib Ajmi had already commenced Maghrib Salaat. When Hasan Basri heard Habib Ajmi reciting instead of he decided not to follow him in Salaat. He thus performed Salaat separately. During the night Hasan Basri in a dream was blessed with Allah's Vision. he asked: "O Rabb, in what lies Your pleasure?"

Allah Ta'ala said: "You have found My Pleasure, but have not recognized its status." Hasan Basri: "What is it?" Allah Ta'ala: "If you had followed Habib Ajmi in Salaat, it would have been better for you than your Salaat of a lifetime. You thought of external perfection without taking cognizance of the purity of the heart."

7. Once when Hadhrat Hasan Basri was pursued by the police of the tyrant Hajjaaj, he took shelter in the hut of Habib Ajmi. When the police arrived, they questioned Habib Ajmi about the whereabouts of Hasan Basri. Habib Ajmi informed them that he was inside the hut. Even after thoroughly searching the hut, they could not find Hasan Basri even though their hands passed seven times over him. After the police left, Hasan Basri said to Habib Ajmi:"You failed to observe the rights of your Ustaadh. You informed the police of my whereabouts."

8. Once Hadhrat Imaam Shaafi (rahmatullah alayh) and Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hambal (rahmatullah alayh) met. While they were conversing, Habib Ajmi (rahmatullah alayh) appeared on the scene. Imaam Ahmad said to Imaam Shaafi: "I shall ask him something." Although Imaam Shaafi discouraged Imaam Ahmad, the latter asked Habib Ajmi: "If a person has missed one of the five Salaats (and cannot recall which one), what should he do?"

Habib Ajmi: "He should repeat all five Salaat because he was forgetful and disrespectful to Allah Ta'ala."

Imaam Shaafi to Imaam Ahmad: "I told you not to question him. These people who have reached Allah Ta'ala have a different approach."

9. When he would hear the Qur'aan being recited, he would weep. People asked: "How do you understand the Qur'aan which is in Arabic while you are a non-Arab?" Habib Ajmi said: "My tongue is non-Arab and my heart is Arab."

10. A durwaish (saint) recognized the lofty spiritual rank of Habib Ajmi, enquired: "How did you, a non-Arab, acquire this lofty rank?" The durwaish heard a voice responding: "Although he is a non-Arab, he is a Habib (i.e. a Lover of Allah)."

11. A murderer was executed by hanging. People dreamt that he was strolling in Jannat dressed in beautiful garments. Asked for the reason for his entry into Jannat despite being a murderer, he said: "While I was hanging on the gibbet, Habib Ajmi happened to pass by. He took pity on me and prayed for my forgiveness."

1. He was among the Tab-e-Taabieen having had the honour of meeting a large number of senior Tabieen.

Hunger was his salient feature. His diet was mainly dried out bread immersed in water. He would say: "One who is contented with dry bread is never dependent on others." Sometimes extreme hunger would drive him to the home of Hadhrat Hasan Basri who would become delighted to receive him. One of his sayings is: "Fortunate is the man who wakes up in the morning hungry, sleeps hungry and remembers Allah Ta'ala in his hunger."

2. A man asked for some naseehat. Muhammad Waasi' said: "Adopt abstinence (zuhd). Abandon greed. Know that all people are dependent. Do not ask your needs from anyone. If you follow this advice, you will become independent and you will acquire the kingdom of both worlds."

3. Once he said to maalik Bin Dinaar:"It is more difficult to guard the tongue than guarding gold and silver."

4. Someone enquired: "How are you?" Muhammad Waasi' said: "What can I say about a man whose life is decreasing and sins increasing?"

5. He said: "A Saadiq (true saint) is not a perfect Saadiq as long as his khauf (fear) and raja (hope) are not equal. (There should be neither excess or deficiency in these attributes. A perfect balance between the two is necessary excess or deficiency leads to transgression of the limits.)

1. Hadhrat Maalik Bin Dinaar (rahmatullah alayh) was a contemporary of Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rahmatullah alayh). Once he got into a ferry boat. When the boat was in the middle of the river, the pilot asked for the fee which Maalik Bin Dinaar was unable to tender. The pilot mercilessly beat him until he became unconscious. When he revived, the pilot threatened to throw him overboard if he failed to make payment. By the command of Allah Ta'ala a shoal of fishes surfaced. Each one had a dinaar (gold coin) in its mouth. Hadhrat Maalik took one dinaar and handed it to the pilot who fell at his feet ashamed, profusely apologizing. Hadhrat Maalik stepped off the boat and walked away on the surface on the water until he was out of sight.

2. Hadhrat Maalik Bin Dinaar was very handsome and extremely wealthy. He lived in Damascus. The following is the episode which led to his reformation. He used to spend time in I'tikaaf in the beautiful Jaami Musjid built by Hadhrat Muaawiyah (رضئ الله عنه ). Once he developed the desire to become the mutawalli (trustee) of the Musjid. He, therefore, decided to remain in the Musjid and engaged in ibaadat to impress the musallis. He spent the whole year in I'tikaaf in the Musjid. Whenever people entered the Musjid they would find him performing Salaat. After one year he came out of the Musjid and heard a voice saying: "O Maalik! Alas! Why don't you repent. Shame on your year's of deceptive worship."

Cleansing his heart from riyaa (show) he passed the entire night in ibaadat. In the morning he saw a group of musallis at the entrance of the Musjid. They were discussing the poor state of the Musjid's administration. They unanimously decided to appoint Maalik Bin Dinaar as the mutawalli. They said that there was no one better qualified for this post than Maalik Bin Dinaar.

When the group approached Maalik Bin Dinaar, he was engaged in Salaat. After he completed his Salaat, they informed him of their decision to appoint him the mutawalli. When he heard this he said to himself: "O Allah! For a whole year I worshipped you with riyaa, but no one paid any heed to me. Now after a single night's ibaadat with sincerity, so many people have turned to me by Your command. I take oath by You that I shall not accept this offer." So saying, he came out of the Musjid and engrossed in ibaadat life-long.

3. In the city of Basrah an extremely wealthy man had died leaving his only daughter. This girl who inherited her father's entire estate was very beautiful. She went to Hadhrat Thaabit Bunaani (rahmatullah alayh), the renowned saint, and said: "I wish to be married to Maalik Binaar so that I derive aid in ibaadat and the Deen." Hadhrat Thaabit put this proposal to Hadhrat Maalik Bin Dinaar, but he declined, commenting:"I have abandoned the world. Woman is also part of the world. I have no desire of violating my pledge."

4. Once while Maalik Bin Dinaar was resting in the shade of a tree, a snake was fanning him with a Narcissus branch.

5. Hadhrat Maalik Bin Dinaar frequently resolved to participate in Jihaad. When finally he acquired the opportunity, he was overtaken by a severe fever which rendered him helpless. Lamenting his fate, he said to himself: "Maalik, if you had any status by Allah, you would not have become ill at such an opportune time." Full of grief he fell asleep. In a dream he heard a caller saying: "If you had today gone in Jihaad, you would have been captured. The kuffaar would have ruined your Imaan by forcibly feeding you pork. This fever is a beautiful gift for you." Waking up from his dream, Maalik Bin Dinaar abundantly expressed his gratitude to Allah Ta'ala.

6. Once, after a long spell of illness he went into the bazaar. Due to excessive weakness he was hobbling along. The Sultan with his retinue happened to pass through the bazaar. The soldiers were clearing the street, harshly ordering people to step aside to make way for the royal procession. On account of his weakness, Maalik Bin Dinaar was unable to move quickly. A soldier struck him with a whip. Feeling the sharp pain, Maalik spontaneously exclaimed: "May Allah cut off your hand." The next day, he saw the soldier laying in the street with his hand cut off. Hadhrat Maalik grieved much for having blurted out the curse.

7. The neighbour of Maalik Bin Dinaar was a physically strong evil young man who caused much distress to people. Once the people complained to Maalik Bin Dinaar about the oppressive conduct of the young man. Maalik Bin Dinaar went to counsel him. The young man responded: "I am a royal servant. No one can tell me anything." He displayed an evil temper. Maalik said: "I shall complain to the king." The young man said: "He is most gracious and kind and will not apprehend me." Maalik Bin Dinaar returned crestfallen. After some time, the people again complained about the evil and oppressive conduct of the young man. Maalik Bin Dinaar again set off to counsel the young man. Along the way he heard a voice saying: "Do not pursue My friend." Maalik Bin Dinaar, greatly surprised went to the young man who exclaimed: "You have come again!" Maalik Bin Dinaar said: "I have come to give you glad tidings. Allah Ta'ala says that you are His friend." The young man said: "If this is so, I give all my wealth in the path of Allah." After having contributed his entire estate in the path of Allah, he left, never to be seen again. Maalik Bin Dinaar saw him in Makkah. He had become extremely lean and weak. He was supplicating:

"Allah has called me His friend. I have sacrificed myself for Him with all my heart. I know that His pleasure is in ibaadat. Never shall I displease Him. I repent."

As he supplicated, his soul departed from his earthly body.

8. Once Maalik Bin Dinaar rent a room next to the home of a Jew. His room was adjacent to the entrance of the Jew's home. The Jew spitefully always deposited garbage and filth in Maalik's entrance. Even his musalla would at times be soiled. This treatment continued for a long period, but Maalik Bin Dinaar never complained.

One day the Jew came and said: "Does the garbage I deposit in front of your room not distress you?"

Maalik: "It does distress me, but I wash and clean the place."

Jew: "Why do you tolerate so much distress?"

Maalik: Allah has promised substantial reward for those who contain their anger and forgive people."

Jew: "Truly, your Deen is beautiful. It commands toleration of even the hardships presented by enemies."

The Jew was so affected by the beautiful conduct of Maalik Bin Dinaar that he embraced Islam.

9. Maalik Bin Dinaar visited a man in his death throes. He endeavoured to induce the dying man to recite Kalimah Shahaadat. The only response was: "Ten, eleven–ten, eleven." The man said: "In front of me is a mountain of fire. When I wish to recite Kalimah Shahaadat, the mountain of fire rushes towards me. Maalik Bin Dinaar enquired about the man's deeds and he was told that this man dealt in interest and would give less when weighing.

10. Once Maalik Bin Dinaar and Ja'far Bin Sulaimaan were together in Makkah Muazzamah. When Maalik Bin Dinaar commenced the Talbiyah, saying he fainted. When he revived, Ja'far bin Sulaimaan asked the reason for his unconsciousness. Maalik Bin Dinaar said:

"I feared to hear a voice which would respond

(There is no presence for you)."

11. When reciting the aayat

Maalik Bin Dinaar would restless, weep much and say:"If this was not a Qur'aanic aayat, I would not have recited it because it means: Only You do we worship and only You we seek aid, but we worship our nafs and seek aid from other."

12. Once a woman said to Maalik Bin Dinaar: "You are a man of riyaa." (Riyaa means to worship in order to impress others.) Maalik Bin Dinaar: "For the past 20 years no one called me by my name. Finally, you have recognized me."

13. Maalik Bin Dinaar said: "A companionship which will be of no benefit on the day of Qiyaamah is futile." "A man who indulges in idle conversation and remembers Allah little, lacks knowledge. His heart is blind. His life is ruined."

14. Maalik Bin Dinaar said that in one of the Divine Scriptures, Allah Ta'ala said: "The least punishment I give to an Aalim who loves the world is the elimination from his heart of the pleasure of thikr."

15. After Maalik Bin Dinaar's demise, a buzrug saw in a dream a scene on Qiyaamah. The angels were leading Maalik Bin Dinaar and Muhammad Waasi' to Jannat. The buzrug (in his dream) wondered: "Who will be allowed to enter first into Jannat?" Soon he observed that Maalik Bin Dinaar was permitted to enter first. The buzrug commented: "Muhammad Waasi' was a greater Aalim and enjoyed greater spiritual perfection." The Angel responded: "True, but Muhammad Waasi' owned two sets of garments while Maalik Bin Dinaar had only one set. He has therefore been granted prior entry into Jannat."

1. Hadhrat Hasan Basri's mother was a servant of Rasulullah's ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) noble wife, Hadhrat Umm-e-Salmah (radhiyallahu anha). Sometimes during infancy when his mother was engaged in some service, he would cry. To pacify the infant, Hadhrat Umm-e-Salmah (radhiyallahu anha) would place her blessed breast in his mouth. The baby would suck and miraculously milk would emerge. It is said that the innumerable blessings acquired by Hadhrat Hasan Basri were the product of this milk of the holy household of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) . Hadhrat Umm-e-Salmah (radhiyallahu anha)undertook the responsibility of caring for Hasan. She would always make dua: "O Allah! Make him the leader (i.e. spiritual leader) of men."

2. Once during childhood Hadhrat Hasan drank water from a mug in which water was left for Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) in the home of Hadhrat Umm-e-Salmah (radhiyallahu anha). When Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) enquired about the person who had drunk [drank or drunk?] from his mug, he was told that it was Hasan. Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) commented: "My knowledge will be diffused into him in proportion to the water he drank from the mug."

3. When Hadhrat Hasan was born he was brought to Hadhrat Umar (رضئ الله عنه )who said: "Name him Hasan because his face is so beautiful." (He was extremely handsome.)

4. Hadhrat Hasan Basri was a Taabi-ee who had the good fortune of meeting 120 Sahaabah among whom 70 were participants of the Battle of Badr. He was the mureed of Hadhrat Hasan, the son of Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه ). According to another version recorded in Tuhfah, it is said that he was the mureed of Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه )who had conferred on him the mantle of spiritual mentorship (i.e. made him his Khalifah in the spiritual realm).

5. The fear of Maut was so overwhelming in him that from the time of his youth when he pledged himself to prepare for the Aakhirah, he never laughed until death overtook him at the age of 70.

6. For his entire life, until the age of 70, he always remained with wudhu.

7. Once a Wali said: "Hasan has surpassed us all because the whole creation is in need of his knowledge while he needs none besides Allah Ta'ala. He is therefore our chief."

8. Hadhrat Hasan was asked: "What is the meaning of Islam and who is a Muslim?" He replied: "Islam is in the books and Muslims are in the grave."

9. When asked: "What is pure Deen?", he said; "Piety". People asked: "What destroys piety?" He said: "Greed and desire."

10. Hadhrat Hasan said that an ill physician (i.e. spiritual mentor) should first treat himself before treating others (i.e. he should first reform himself morally and spiritually).

11. People complained: "Our hearts are asleep, hence your advices do not benefit us." Hadhrat Hasan said: "Your hearts are dead. A sleeping person can be woken up, but a dead man cannot be aroused."

12. Someone said to Hadhrat Hasan: "Some people overwhelm our heart with fear with their talks." (He was referring to the advices of Hadhrat Hasan.) He replied: "It is better today to be in the company of those who instil fear in you so that tomorrow on the Day of Qiyaamah you will have hope in the mercy of Allah."

13. A man said to him: "Some people find fault with your statements and criticize you." Hadhrat Hasan replied: "I find myself full of fault. While I am searching for Divine Proximity, I cherish the desire for Jannat. But both these attitudes are contradictory. Furthermore, I do not hope to be immune from the criticism of people. Even Allah Ta'ala, The Absolute One, has not been spared by their tongues."(Although the wish or desire for both Jannat and nearness to Allah Ta'ala are in reality not negatory or contradictory, the exceptionally lofty spiritual status and proximity of the Auliyaa preclude them from all motives except the Goal of Divine Proximity. Their worship of Allah is neither for fear of Jahannum nor for the hope of Jannat. Their gaze is focussed on only Allah's Pleasure.)

14. It was said: "Some say that preaching (giving naseehat) to people should be embarked on only after one has become morally purified." Hadhrat Hasan commented: "Shaitaan desires that the door of Amr Bil Ma'roof Nahyi anil munkar (commanding righteousness and prohibiting evil) be closed."

15. Once while Hadhrat Hasan was lecturing, the tyrant Hajjaaj with his unsheathed sword and army arrived. A pious man present in the gathering said to himself: "Today is a test for Hasan. Will Hasan proclaim his naseehat in the presence of Hajjaaj or will he resort to flattery?" Hajjaaj sat down in the gathering. However, Hadhrat Hasan did not pay the slightest attention and continued his talk. Hajjaaj's presence did not exercise the slightest influence on him. He did not even look at Hajjaaj. The pious man said: "Indeed, Hasan is hasan (i.e. beautiful)."

On the termination of the lecture, Hajjaaj went forward. Kissing the hand of Hadhrat Hasan, he said: "If you wish to see a man, look at Hasan."

16. Once Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه )spent three days in Basrah. He had issued an order prohibiting lectures in the Musaajid. When he attended a gathering of Hadhrat Hasan he found him giving a lecture. Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه )interrogated him:"Are you an Aalim or a student?"Hadhrat Hasan replied: "I am neither an Aalim nor a student. However, I deliver the words of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) which have reached me." On hearing this reply Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه )left without preventing Hadhrat Hasan from lecturing. When he was told that his interrogator was Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه ), he descended from the mimbar and went in search of Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه ). When he linked up with Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه ), he (Hadhrat Hasan) said:

"For Allah's sake teach me how to make wudhu."

A container of water was brought and Hadhrat Ali (رضئ الله عنه )demonstrated the method of making wudhu. Since that time that spot is known as Baabut Tasht (Portal of the Basin).

17. Once during a severe drought in Basrah, two hundred thousand people gathered on the outskirts for Salatul Istisqa (to pray for rain). A mimbar was set up and Hadhrat Hasan was requested to mount it and supplicate for rain. He said: "If you wish for rain, expel me from Basrah."(His humility constrained him to believe that he was the cause of the drought. Droughts are generally the consequences of the sins of people.)

18. One day Hadhrat Hasan heard the Hadith which says that the very last man of this Ummah to emerge from Jahannum after 80 years will be a person named Hannaad. Hadhrat Hasan lamented:"I wish Hasan was that man." (The degree of his humility and overwhelming fear created in him the perception that he (i.e. Hadhrat Hasan) may never emerge from Jahannum. Therefore, if he was Hannaad, his salvation was ensured.)

19. Once when he spent the entire night weeping, he was asked: "Hadhrat, why do you weep so much inspite of being such an Aabid (worshipper) and Muttaqi (pious)?" Hadhrat Hasan said:"I fear that I may have committed such a deed which negates my ibaadat. As a result of it Allah Ta'ala may say: 'Hasan! You have no position by Us. None of your acts of worship is acceptable."

20. Once he accompanied a janaazah. After the burial he cried profusely and said:"O people! Know that the end of this world and the beginning of the Hereafter are this grave. The Hadith says that the qabr is a station among the stations of the Aakhirah. Why do you love a world whose end is the grave? Why do you not fear the world of the Aakhirah the beginning of which is the grave? This is your ending and your beginning."

21. During his childhood he had committed a sin. Whenever he had a new kurtah sewn, he would write a reminder (of the sin) on it. This reminder constantly reduced him to tears.

22. Once the Khalifah, Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz (rahmatullah alayh) wrote a letter requesting some naseehat. Hadhrat Hasan (rahmatullah alayh) responded: "If Allah is not your hepler, have no hope in anyone." On another occasion he wrote: "Know that the day after which there will no longer be this world (the Aakhirah) is near."

23. When Hadhrat Bishr Haafi (rahmatullah alayh) learnt that Hadhrat Hasan (rahmatullah alayh) was proceeding for Hajj, he wrote requesting permission to accompany him (Hadhrat Hasan). In response, Hadhrat Hasan wrote: "Forgive me (i.e. he declined permission). I wish to remain in Allah's veil of concealment. If we are together, we shall become aware of our mutual defects and think ill of one another."

(Although these illustrious Souls never despised anyone on account of sins and defects, Hadhrat Hasan presented this pretext for his desire of solitude. Travelling with a contemporary would be an encumbrance which would disturb the solace of his solitude.)

24. Counselling Hadhrat Saeed Bin Jubair (rahmatullah alayh), Hadhrat Hasan said: "Never enter into companionship with kings. Never reveal your secrets to anyone. Never listen to music. The end result is always calamitous."

25. Hadhrat Maalik Bin Dinaar (rahmatullah alayh) asked: "In what lies the corruption of the people?"Hadhrat Hasan: "In the death of the heart."Maalik Bin Dinaar: "What is the death of the heart."Hadhrat Hasan: "The love of the world."

26. Once Hadhrat Abdullah (rahmatullah alayh) went to the home of Hadhrat Hasan (rahmatullah alayh) for Fajr Salaat. When he arrived at the door he heard Hadhrat Hasan making dua and a group responding 'Aameen, Aameen'. He waited outside until it was Fajr time. When he entered he found Hadhrat Hasan alone. After Salaat, Hadhrat Abdullah enquired about the mystery. He first took a pledge of secrecy from him, then informed Hadhrat Abdullah that every Friday night a group of jinn attended for lessons. After lessons when dua is made they responded with 'Aameen'.

27. Qaari Abu Amr was a famous teacher of the Qur'aan. Once he cast a gaze of lust on a handsome lad who had come to learn the Qur'aan. In consequence of this evil glance Abu Amr forgot the entire Qur'aan. From the Alif of to the Seen of , the entire Qur'aan departed from his heart. His shock and grief were unbearable. He explained this calamity to Hadhrat Hasan who said: "It is now the time of Hajj. Perform Hajj. After Hajj proceed to Musjid-e-Khaif where you will find an old man sitting in the mihraab in worship. After he completes his ibaadat ask him to make dua for you.

After Hajj when Abu Amr entered Musjid-e-Khaif he saw a group of people inside. Shortly afterwards a saintly person entered. Everyone regarded him with honour and reverence. After counselling the group, the saintly person and all others except the old man departed. Abu Amr stepped forward and narrated the calamity which had befallen him. The buzrug raised his eyes towards heaven in supplication. To his wonder and joy Abu Amr discovered that the Qur'aan Shareef had returned to his heart. In sheer joy and ecstasy he fell at the feet of the buzrug who asked: "Who directed you to me?"

Abu Amr: "Hasan Basri."

The Buzrug: "Hasan has disgraced me. Now I too shall disgrace him. He has revealed my secret. I too shall reveal his secret. The buzrug whom you had seen at the time of Zuhr (the one who had lectured to the group) was Hasan Basri. He comes daily to us. Discusses with us and by Asr he is back in Basrah. What need did he have to direct you to me?"(In other words, Hadhrat Hasan being such a great saint could have made dua for Abu Amr instead of directing him to the buzrug in Musjid-e-Khaif thereby exposing him.)

28. A man in need once brought his horse to Hadhrat Hasan and offered it for sale. Hadhrat Hasan bought the horse. That night the former owner of the horse saw the horse together with a few hundred horses grazing in Jannat. On making enquiries, the Angels informed him: "These horses had belonged to you. Now they are the property of Hasan."In the morning the man hastened to Hadhrat Hasan and implored him to cancel the sale. He offered to refund the money. Hadhrat Hasan refusing, said: "I have also seen the dream you had seen." The man departed with a heavy heart. During the night Hadhrat Hasan saw in a dream beautiful palaces in Jannat. He asked: "To whom do these palaces belong?" The Angels said: "To the person who gladly cancels a sale." He sent for the man, cancelled the sale and returned the horse.

29. Hadhrat Hasan's neighbour, Sham'oon was a fire-worshipper. Sham'oon was in his death-throes. Hadhrat Hasan visited him. He observed that Sham'oon's face had darkened as a result of his years of fire-worshipping.

Hadhrat Hasan: "Abandon fire-worship and become a Muslim. Perhaps Allah will have mercy on you." Sham'oon: "Three things have turned me away from Islam. One: The world according to you (Muslims) is evil, but you remain in its pursuit. Two: You believe that death is true, but you do not make preparations for it. Three: You claim the wonder of Allah's Vision, but on earth you act in conflict with His wishes."

Hadhrat Hasan: "This is a sign of those who recognize the truth. The true Mu'min acts accordingly. But tell me, what have you gained by destroying your life in fire-worship? Even if a Mu'min does no good, at least he testifies to the Unity of Allah. You have worshipped the fire for seventy years. If you and I fall into the fire, it will burn us both without caring for your worship. However, my Allah has the power of preventing the fire from burning me."

So saying, Hadhrat Hasan took Allah's Name and plunged his hand into the fire. He held his hand for a long time in the fire which had no effect on him. Seeing this, Sham'oon's heart opened up. The light of guidance had penetrated his heart. He said: "I have worshipped the fire for 70 years. What can I achieve in the few moments there remain of life?"

Hadhrat Hasan: "Become a Muslim!"

Sham'oon: "Write a document stating that if I embrace Islam, Allah will forgive me."

Hadhrat Hasan wrote the document and presented it to Sham'oon who said: "Let the pious elders of Basrah endorse it with their signatures." This request was complied with. Sham'oon said:"O Hasan, when I die, give me ghusl and bury me. Place the document in my hand so that I have proof of my Islam."Sham'oon recited the Kalimah and died. His wasiyyat was fulfilled by Hadhrat Hasan.

Hadhrat Hasan returned home overwhelmed by worry. He thought: "When I myself am immersed in sin, how could I have furnished a guarantee of forgiveness to another man?" In this distressful state he fell asleep. In a dream he saw Sham'oon donned in beautiful garments with a crown on his head strolling in Jannat. Hadhrat Hasan: "How did it fare with you?"

Sham'oon: "Allah forgave me by His mercy. I am unable to explain the bounties He has bestowed to me. There now no longer remain on you any responsibility. Here take your document. I no longer have need of it."

When Hadhrat Hasan's eyes opened he discovered the document in his hand. He profusely thanked Allah and said:"O Allah! You act without cause. Everything is dependent on Your act. When you have forgiven a man merely on one statement (the Kalimah) after he had worshipped the fire for seventy years, why will You not forgive a man who had worshipped you for seventy years?" (The boundless rahmat of Allah Ta'ala could be understood from the episode.)

30. Tawaadhu' (humility) was an outstanding attribute of Hadhrat Hasan. He considered himself inferior to everyone else. One day while walking along the bank of the river Dajlah he saw a Habshi (Abyssinian) with a woman and a wine-bottle. A thought crossed his mind: 'This man cannot be better than me because he is with a woman and consuming wine.' As the thought crossed his mind a boat with seven occupants appeared on the river. Suddenly the boat began sinking. Seeing the plight of the boat-people the Habshi dived into the water and safely brought out one person. He returned and brought out a second man. He continued his rescue until he had saved six people. Turning to Hadhrat Hasan, the Habshi said: "If you are better than me, then save the seventh one. O Imaam of the Muslims! This woman is my mother. The bottle contains water. I am here to test you. I have seen that you have failed the test."

Hadhrat Hasan now realised that the Habshi was a close servant of Allah appointed to test him (Hasan). He fell at the Habshi's feet imploring: "Just as you have saved the six persons from drowning in the sea, save me from the sea of egotism and deception."

The Habshi: "May Allah brighten your eyes (i.e. spiritual eyes)." Never again did Hadhrat Hasan regard himself better than any person. His state of humility reached such a pinnacle that once seeing a dog he supplicated:"O Allah! Accept me by virtue of this dog."

31. Once on seeing an intoxicated man swaying from side to side while walking in a muddy path, Hadhrat Hasan counselled: "Walk carefully otherwise you will slip." The man responded:"O Imaam of the Muslims! You walk carefully. If I slip, I alone fall. If you slip, the whole Ummah falls (i.e. strays from the Path of Truth)." This response made an indelible impression on the heart of Hasan Basri.

32. A lad was walking with a flame in his hand. Hadhrat Hasan Basri said to him: "From where did you get the flame?" The lad extinguished the flame and said: "Where has the flame gone?"

33. Once Hadhrat Hasan Basri said to his disciples:"If you should see the Sahaabah you would say that they are mad men and if they should see you, they would not consider you to be Muslims. They were horsemen flying like birds as swift as the wind while we are like those seated on the wounded backs of asses."

34. A Bedouin asked the meaning of sabr (patience). Hadhrat Hasan said: "Sabr is of two kinds. One: Sabr when calamity and misfortune strike. Two: Sabr regarding the prohibitions of Allah Ta'ala (i.e. restrain oneself from indulgence in the things prohibited by Allah Ta'ala)."

35. "A man should strive to acquire beneficial knowledge and excellent deeds accompanied by sincerity, contentment and beautiful patience. I cannot explain the lofty status which a man of this acquisition will gain on the day of Qiyaamah."

36. "A sheep is more alert than man. On hearing the call of the shepherd it stops grazing while man ignores the call of Allah for the sake of his desires."

37. "Ma'rifat (i.e. a high perception of divine recognition) is abandonment of lowly desires."

38. "Jannat cannot be attained merely by good deeds. Good intentions are essential."

39. "Fikr (contemplation) is a mirror in which good and bad are visible."

40. "Futile talk is evil. Silence devoid of fikr is futility and disgraceful."

41. "It is mentioned in the Tauraah that a man who adopts qanaa-at (contentment) becomes independent of all people; whoever adopts solitude, finds safety; whoever shuns lowly desires is emancipated; whoever abandons hasad (jealousy) has discovered friendship; whoever spends his life in sabr has found [page 31]." Re: p73 bk2

42. "Wara' (piety) has three stages: To speak the truth even in anger; abstention from the prohibitions of Allah Ta'ala; constancy in the execution of Allah's commands."

43. "A little piety is better than a thousand years of (Nafl) Saum and Salaat."

44. "Contemplation (fikr) and wara' (piety) are the noblest deeds."

45. "Nifaaq (hypocrisy) is the contradiction between the baatin (the heart / intentions) and the zaahir (verbal proclamation)."

46. "All true Mu'mins who have passed away had the fear of having nifaaq in them."

47. "The compensation for gheebat (speaking ill of people in their absence) is istighfaar (i.e. to seek forgiveness from Allah Ta'ala)."(If the person is aware of the gheebat, it will also be necessary to seek forgiveness from him.)

48. "Man will have to give a reckoning for the halaal and haraam of this world in which he had participated."

49. "Every person (i.e. with love of the world in his heart) will depart from this world with three regrets: (1) His desire for accumulation of wealth will be unfulfilled. (2) Unrealized goals. (3) Having made no preparations for the journey of the Hereafter."

50. Someone reported to Hasan Basri that a certain man was in his death throes. He commented:"He was in his death throes since his appearance on earth. He will now be released."

51. "He who has no love of the world will be saved. The one entrapped in the world is ruined. Those who are not proud of the bounties of the world will be forgiven."

52. "An intelligent man abandons the world and develops the Aakhirah."

53. "In this world there is no animal more rebellious than the nafs."

54. "Allah disgraces a man who honours (loves) gold and silver."

55. "A man who regards himself as a leader of the community is astray."

56. "A man who narrates the defects of others to you, will most assuredly narrate your defects to others."

57. Once when Hasan Basri saw a man eating in the qabrustaan (cemetery), he said: "This man is a munaafiq (hypocrite). A man whose desires agitate in the presence of the dead has no belief in Maut and the Aakhirah. Whoever does not believe in Maut and the Aakhirah is a munaafiq."

58. On the night that Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rahmatullah alayh) died, a buzrug saw in a dream the portals of the heaven opening and a voice proclaimed: "Hasan Basri has reached Allah Ta'ala."

1. Regarding Uwais Qarni (rahmatullah alayh), Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said: "Uwais Qarni is the noblest of the Tabieen with ihsaan."(The highest stage of ihsaan is to worship Allah Ta'ala as if you are seeing Him.)

Sometimes Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) would turn in the direction of Yemen and say: "I perceive the fragrance of love from Yemen."

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said: "Tomorrow on the Day of Qiyaamah Allah Ta'ala will create 70,000 malaa-ikah in the image of Uwais Qarni who will enter in their midst into Jannat. No one will recognise him except those whom Allah wishes." Since he engrossed himself in ibaadat in concealment, fleeing from people, Allah Ta'ala will preserve his concealment even in the Aakhirah. Allah Ta'ala has said: "My Auliyaa are under My Mantle. None besides Me knows them."

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said: "In my Ummat is a man whose shafaa'at (intercession) will be accepted on behalf of so many people whose number equals the hairs on the sheep/goats of the tribes of Rabeeh and Mudhir."

These two Arab tribes possessed the most sheep and goats, hence the analogy. When the Sahaabah enquired about the identity of this man, Rasulullah (b) said: "A servant among the servants of Allah." The Sahaabah responded: "We all are the servants of Allah. What is his name?"

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said: "Uwais Qarni."

Sahaabah: "Where is he?"

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ): "In Qarn."

Sahaabah: "Have he seen you?"

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ): "Not with his physical eyes, but he has seen me with his spiritual eyes."

Sahaabah: "Such an ardent lover, but why has he not entered into your companionship?"

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ): "There are two reasons. The first is ghalbah haal (i.e. he is always in a high spiritual state which makes him oblivious of everything besides Allah Ta'ala). The second is his profound observance of my Shariat. His mu'minah mother is extremely old and blind. He tends to camels and with his earnings he supports his mother."

Sahaabah: "Can we see him?"

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said to Hadhrat Abu Bakr (d): "You will not see him, but Umar and Ali will see him. His entire body is covered with hair. On the palm of his hand and left side is a white spot, the size of a dirham, which is not the mark of leprosy. When you meet him, convey my salaam to him and tell him to make dua for my Ummat. Among the Auliyaa those who are the Atqiyaa (a very loft category of Auliyaa), he is the holiest."

Sahaabah: "Where shall we find him?"

Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ): "In Yemen, he is a camel-herd known as Uwais. You should follow in his footsteps."

After the demise of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Ali (dma) journied to Kufa. After delivering a Khutbah, Hadhrat Umar (d) said: "O people of Najd, all of you stand up." Everyone obeyed. He then enquired: "Is any among you from Qaran?" When they said, 'yes', he asked for information about Uwais Qarni.

They replied: "We do not know him. However, there is a madman who has become estranged from people. He flees from people. When Hadhrat Umar (d) enquired of his whereabouts, he was told that he (Uwais Qarni) tends to camels in Wadi Urnah. At night he eats dry bread. He does not enter the town. He does not speak to anyone. He does not eat what people generally eat. He does not know what is grief and happiness. When people laugh, he cries. When they cry, he laughs."

Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Ali (ra) travelled to that valley (Wadi Urnah). Ultimately when they discovered him, he was engaged in Salaat. By the command of Allah, angels were tending to the camels. On perceiving the presence of human beings, Uwais terminated his Salaat, and said "Assalaamu Alaikum".

Hadhrat Umar: "We all are the servants of Allah. What is your specific name?"

Uwais: "Uwais".

Hadhrat Umar: "Show me your right hand."

When Hadhrat Uwais showed his hand, Hadhrat Umar (d) seeing the mark indicated by Rasulullah (b), kissed his hand, and said:"Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) has conveyed salaams to you; sent this cloak for you and commanded that you make dua for his Ummah."

Uwais: "You are more qualified to make dua because there is no one nobler than you."

Hadhrat Umar: "I am always engaged in this duty of dua. However, you have to comply with the order of Rasulullah (b)."

Uwais: "Give me the cloak of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) so that I may make dua."

Taking the cloak, Hadhrat Uwais said: "Wait here."

He went a distance, fell into Sajdah and supplicated: "O Allah! I shall not don this mantle as long as You do not forgive the entire Ummah of Muhammad ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ), for he has presented this cloak. Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ), Umar Farooq and Ali Murtaza have discharged their duties."

A Voice exclaimed: "We have forgiven a number by virtue of your intercession."

Uwais: "O Allah! As long as You do not forgive all, I shall not don this mantle."

The Voice: "I have forgiven thousands."

Uwais: "I am petitioning for the forgiveness of all."

This performance was enacted several times. Each time, The Voice announced an increase in the number of persons forgiven by virtue of Hadhrat Uwais' intercession. Meanwhile Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Ali () unable to hold their patience came near to Hadhrat Uwais to see what was happening. When Hadhrat Uwais saw them, he exclaimed: "Why have you come? I would not have donned this mantle as long as Allah Ta'ala had not forgiven the entire Ummah of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم )."

Gazing at Hadhrat Uwais with deep intent and concern, Hadhrat Umar () perceived 18,000 spiritual kingdoms under the simple shawl Hadhrat Uwais was wearing at the time. Hadrat Umar (), now overwhelmed by spiritual enthusiasm, lost complete interest in himself and his Khilaafat. In an ecstatic mood he cried out: "Is there anyone prepared to accept my Khilaafat in exchange for a piece of bread?"

Hadhrat Uwais said: "Only a man lacking in intelligence, will purchase it. What are you talking of buying and selling! Abandon it! Whoever wishes, can pick it up."

Then donning the mantle of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ), Hadhrat Uwais said: "As a result of the barkat of this mantle and my intercession, the number of people of the Ummah of Muhammad (b) forgiven, equals the number of hairs on the bodies of the goats of the tribes of Rabeeah and Mudhirr."

Uwais: "On the day when the blessed tooth of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) was martyred, why did you not martyr your own teeth? The requirement of love was that you conformed."

Hadhrat Uwais opened his mouth and they observed that all his teeth were missing. He said: "I broke my teeth without seeing the mubaarak face of Rasulullah (b). After having broken a tooth, I was not satisfied. Perhaps another tooth of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) was martyred, not the one I broke in my mouth. In this way I continued breaking my teeth until all were removed.

Both Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Ali () were overcome with emotion. Now they learnt a new concept of love and devotion. They resolved to learn this devotion from Hadhrat Uwais. Hadhrat Umar () then said: "O Uwais, make dua for me."

Uwais: "I have already made dua. You should not desire more. In the Tashahhud of every Salaat I say: "O Allah! Have mercy on all the believing men and women and forgive them."

If you reach the grave with the safety of Imaan, then most certainly, you have obtained my dua. I do not want to destroy my dua.

Hadhrat Umar: "Counsel me."

Uwais: "Umar, have you recognized Allah Ta'ala?"

Hadhrat Umar: "Yes, I recognized Him."Uwais: "It is best that you recognize only Allah Ta'ala and no one besides Him."

Hadhrat Umar: "Say something more."

Uwais: "Allah Ta'ala knows you. It is best that besides Allah Ta'ala, no one else knows you."

Hadhrat Umar () then attempted to present a gift of some money to Hadhrat Uwais. Hadhrat Uwais producing two dirhams from his pocket, said: "This is my earning for tending camels. If you can vouch that these dirhams will be depleted before my death, I shall then accept more."

Hadhrat Uwais: "Both of you had undergone considerable hardship to reach me. Now return. Qiyaamat is near. We shall then meet where there shall no longer be any separation. Presently I am in a dilemma. I am concerned with the preparations for this journey."They bid farewell and took leave with heavy hearts.

2. After the departure of these two eminent Sahaabah, people began to honour Hadhrat Uwais. Since their excessive veneration agitated him, he fled from that place. Thereafter he was not seen again by anyone except once by Hiram Ibn Hibbaan (rahmatullah alayh) who gave the following account of his encounter with Hadhrat Uwais (rahmatullah alayh):

"When I heard of the status of the Shafa'at (Intercession) of Hadhrat Uwais, I was overtaken by an intense yearning to meet him. I went to Kufaa and set out in search of him. It was my great fortune to locate him making wudhu on the banks of the river Euphrates. I found him fitting the description of him I had heard. After exchange of Salute actions, he looked intently at me. I desired to shake his hands, but he refused. I said:

"Uwais, may Allah have mercy on you and forgive you."

His physical weakness and forlornness reduced me to tears in profusion. Uwais (rahmatullah alayh) also wept and said:"Hiram Ibn Hibban, may Allah Ta'ala grant you a good reward. What has brought you here? Who showed you the road to me?"

Hiram Ibn Hibban: "How do you know my name and the name of my father? You have never met me before."

Hadhrat Uwais: "He Whose Knowledge is all-encompassing has informed me. My rooh has recognized your rooh because the arwaah (souls) of the Mu'mineen recognize each other."

Hadhrat Uwais: "I did not meet Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ), but I have heard of his attributes from others. I have no desire to be a Muhaddith or a Mufti or a narrator because I am engrossed in an abundance of activity."

Hiram: "Recite an aayat of the Qur'aan so that I hear it from your blessed tongue."

Uwais: After reciting

he wept uncontrollably and recited:

"I did not create jinn and man except that they worship Me."

Then he let out such a frightening screech that I thought he had become insane. He said: "O Ibn Hibban, what has brought you here?" I replied: "To become your friend and to reform myself." Hadhrat Uwais commented: "I cannot even think of a man who has recognized Allah Ta'ala, having any love and desire for others and deriving comfort from others besides Allah." I said: "Give me some naseehat".

He replied: "Keep Maut under your pillow when sleeping. When you wake up, don't cherish hope of life. Never consider sin as being minor. If you consider sin as being minor, know that you are considering Allah Ta'ala as being insignificant."

I asked: "Where should I take up residence?" He said: "In the Land of Shaam." I said: "How shall I earn my living there?"

Hadhrat Uwais said: "Alas! Pity those souls who are beset with doubt and uncertainty and refrain from accepting naseehat."

I said: "Give me more naseehat." He said: "O son of Hibban! Your father has died. Aadam, Hawwaa, Nooh, Ibraaheem, Musaa, Daawood (alayhimus salaam), all have died. Muhammad ( صلى الله عايه وسالم) too have died. Abu Bakr, the first Khalifah has also died and my brother Umar has departed from this earthly abode. Oh Umar! Oh Umar!"

I said: "May Allah have mercy on you. Umar has not yet departed." Hadhrat Uwais said: "Allah Ta'ala has informed me of his demise. You and I are among the dead."

He then recited Durood and made some dua, and added: "It is my advice that you cling to the Kitaab of Allah and adopt the path of Islaah (moral reformation). Never for a moment be forgetful of Maut. Never take even one step beyond the fold of the Jama'ah of the Ummah of Muhammad ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ), for then, Allah forbid, you will become without Deen and land in Jahannum."

After making dua, he said: "Son of Hibban, go! Neither will you see me again, nor will I see you. Remember me in your dua. I too shall remember you in my dua. Now don't follow me, I am going."

I desired to accompany him a few steps, but he refused. He wept and so did I. I gazed long after him until he disappeared from sight. Thereafter, I never again heard of him.

3. Hadhrat Rabee' (rahmatullah alayh) gives the following narrative of his encounter with Hadhrat Uwais Qarni (rahmatullah alayh): "I set out with a yearning to meet Uwais. I found him engaged in Fajr Salaat. As he completed his Salaat, he immediately commenced thikr. He continued with thikr until Zuhr. After Zuhr he again became involved in thikr until Asr. In this way he continued until Fajr of the next day. He maintained this practice for three days. During this entire period he neither ate nor slept. On the fourth night he took a short nap. He suddenly awoke with a start, jumped up and supplicated:

"O Allah! I seek Your protection from sleeping to the satisfaction of the eyes and from eating to the satiation of the stomach."

On hearing this, I decided that I had seen enough and returned."

4. His practice was to remain awake in ibaadat the entire night. He would say: 'Tonight is the night of Sajdah; tonight is the night of Ruku'; tonight is the night of Qiyaam.' In the way would he spend the nights worshipping Allah Ta'ala.

5. Someone asked: "How should Salaat be performed?" Hadhrat Uwais said: "I desire that before completing in Sajdah (during the night) it is already morning. Ibaadat should be like the worship of the Angels."

6. Someone asked: "What is khushu' (concentration in Salaat)?" He replied: "If you are struck with a spear, you remain oblivious of it."

7. He was asked: "How are you?" He said: "Like one who gets up in the morning, not knowing if Maut will grant him respite until the evening."

8. Hadhrat Uwais said: "A man who loves three things, Jahannum is closer to him than his jugular vein: Delicious food; fine garments and association with the rich."

(This naseehat does not apply to the masses who find it difficult to abstain from even haraam on account of extreme deficiency of Imaan. The advice of Hadhrat Uwais–(rahmatullah alayh)–is directed to Auliyaa of high rank. As far as weaklings engrossed in material pursuits are concerned, the minimum demand is to eat, drink and participate in worldly affairs within the permitted confines of the Shariah–in moderation.)

9. People said to Hadhrat Uwais: "There is a man nearby who has been sitting in a grave with a kafan for the past 30 years, weeping profusely."

On his request, Uwais was taken to view this man in the grave. The man was reduced to a skeleton. He was like a dried out weed and was crying. Hadhrat Uwais said: "The kafan and the qabar have diverted you from Allah. Both these objects constitute a veil for you in the Path (leading to Allah Ta'ala)."

His statement struck a responsive chord in the heart of the man. His spiritual eyes opened and he realised his folly. He let out a terrible scream and expired in that grave in which he had spent 30 years.

If even the grave can become a veil and an obstacle in the path of spiritual progress, what is the effect of the numerous other pursuits and objects of the material world?

10. Once for three days he was without food. On the fourth day he found a dinaar (gold coin) laying on the ground. Thinking it to be the lost property of someone, he left it. As he walked on, a wolf with a loaf of bread in its mouth approached him. The wolf left the bread infront of him. Uwais thought that the wolf had snatched the bread belonging to someone. As he thought, the wolf said: "I am the servant of the Same Being Whose servant you are." The wolf then disappeared. Hadhrat Uwais realising that the bread was sent by Allah Ta'ala, ate it.

11. Hadhrat Uwais said: "Nothing remains hidden from a person who has recognized Allah Ta'ala." "Safety is in solitude. True solitude is that there is no room in the heart for thinking of others. Solitude in which the mind is occupied with the thoughts of others is defective."

"When two people gather to indulge in futility, shaitaan departs because he has achieved his objective. There is no longer a need for his presence since these two are sufficient to deceive each other. Both are forgetful of Allah Ta'ala." "Keep your heart alert so that aliens do not gain entry." (i.e. Always remember Allah Ta'ala, for Thikrullah prevents shaitaan from entering the heart of man.)

"I searched for glory and I found it in humility. I searched for kingdom and I found it in admonishing people (i.e. giving them naseehat). I searched for culture and found it in truth. I searched for holiness and found it in poverty. I searched for Nisbat and found it in piety. (Nisbat refers to a special relationship of proximity with Allah Ta'ala.)

I searched for honour and I found it in contentment (i.e. contentment with whatever Allah Ta'ala has ordained). I searched for comfort and found it in zuhd (abstinence –renunciation of the world). I searched for independence and found it in tawakkul (trust in Allah)."

12. When Hadhrat Uwais walked in the road, mischievous children considering him to be a mad man would pelt him with stones, mocking and jeering. He would say: "Pelt me with small stones. Big stones draw blood which breaks my wudhu."

13. It is narrated that towards the close of his life he joined Hadhrat Ali (d) in the Battle of Siffeen and was martyred. Among the Auliyaa there is a category called Uwaisiyyah. Those in this class do not need a Shaikh (Spiritual Mentor). Just like Hadhrat Uwais, they acquire spiritual elevation without the medium of a Shaikh. Hadhrat Uwais (rahmatullah alayh), despite not having physically associated with Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) gained spiritual elevation by virtue of Nabi-e-Kareem's (b) baatini (spiritual) medium. This pedestal occupied by these Auliyaa is extremely lofty. Only Allah Ta'ala decides who is to be favoured with this rank.

Wazir: "Do you wish to slay a man who has renounced the world; who has adopted solitude; who is engrossed in the worship of Allah and who has no worldly designs?"

Expressing his annoyance, the Khalifah said: "Go! Bring him so that I could slay him." Inspite of the wazir's pleas, the Khalifah remained adamant. Finally the wazir was constrained to summon Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh). Meanwhile Mansur ordered his guards to kill Hadhrat Ja'far on his arrival. When the Khalifah removed his crown from his head it will signal the moment for slaying Hadhrat Ja'far.

When Hadhrat Ja'far appeared, the Khalifah stood up in respect. With great honour and humility he welcomed Hadhrat Ja'far. In fact, he ran forward to greet Hadhrat Ja'far. He brought Hadhrat Ja'far to sit on the royal stage. The guards were greatly surprised by the reverence and honour which Mansur showed to Hadhrat Ja'far. The Khalifah said to Hadhrat Ja'far: "Is there any thing you need?"Hadhrat Ja'far: "Do not inconvenience me again by calling me. Leave me to worship Allah." Mansur allowed Hadhrat Ja'far to leave with utmost respect.

After the departure of Hadhrat Saadiq, the Khalifah began to shiver uncontrollably and fell down unconscious. He remained unconscious for three days. According to some, he was unconscious for the duration of three Salaat which became qadhaa.

When the Khalifah regained conscious, the wazir asked for an explanation. The Khalifah said: "When Saadiq entered, a huge serpent was at his side. The one jaw of the serpent was touching the ground and the other jaw, the ceiling. The serpent was implying to me: 'If you harm him I shall swallow you along with the whole stage."

As a result of the fear for the serpent, the Khalifah did not know what he was saying or doing. He said: "I apologized and became unconscious."

"O Abu Sulaiman! You are the zaahid of the age. You are not in need of my naseehat."

Hadhrat Daud said: "O son of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم)! Allah Ta'ala has bestowed to you all excellences and virtues. It is incumbent on you to admonish everyone."

Hadhrat Ja'far: "O Abu Sulaiman! I fear that on the Day of Qiyaamah my grandfather may apprehend me and demand: 'Why did you not fulfil the demands of my obedience?' This mission is not correctly discharged by genealogy. It is fulfilled by maintaining a beautiful relationship with Allah Ta'ala."

Hadhrat Daud wept profusely and commented: "O Allah! When this is the state of him whose grandfather is the Rasool, whose mother is Faatimah (radhiyallahu anha) and who is a beacon of Knowledge, who is this non-entity Daud to become vain and proud?"

One day Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh) said to his disciples: "Come, let us pledge and promise that whoever among us will be saved on the Day of Qiyaamah, he will intercede on behalf of the others."

The disciples said: "O son of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم)! What need do you have for our intercession when your grandfather will be the intercessor for entire creation?"

Hadhrat Saadiq: "I feel ashamed of my deeds. How can I look my grandfather in the face on the Day of Qiyaamah?"

"O son of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم)! The people are deprived of your blessings. Why have you gone into solitude."

Hadhrat Ja'far: "Now, I consider this to be appropriate. Trust has departed. People are engrossed in their own thoughts and needs. While they profess love and friendship, their hearts are filled with scorpions."

5. Once when a man saw Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh) wearing fine, expensive garments, he commented:"O son of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم)! It is not befitting for the Ahl-e-Bait to wear such garments."

Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq took the man's hand and pushed it inside his (Ja'far Saadiq's) sleeve. The lining under the fine cloth was of such coarse sack-cloth which hurt the man's hand. Hadhrat Ja'far commented:

"This (the external cloth) is for creation and that (the coarse lining) is for the creator." (His externally adorned garments were to conceal his piety while the simple coarse sack-cloth was the demand of his high level of piety.)

Hadhrat Ja'far: "An animal is also able to distinguish between good and bad. An animal recognizes a man who is kind and cruel to it."

Imaam Abu Hanifah: "Who then is an intelligent person?"

Hadhrat Ja'far: "A person who is able to distinguish between two acts of goodness and two acts of badness so that he could choose the greater act of goodness and the lesser evil." (The rule of choosing the lesser evil applies when confronted by two evils and there is no third option. To save oneself from either of the evils has to be chosen. In such an eventuality, the lesser evil is adopted.)

7. A man whose purse containing gold coins was lost. He accused Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh ) of having stolen it. This man was not aware of the identity of Hadhrat Ja'far. On asking the man about the contents of the purse, he said that the purse contained 1,000 dinars. Hadhrat Ja'far took the man home and gave him 1,000 dinars.

A short while later when the man discovered his purse with the money intact, he returned to Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq, presented the 1,000 dinars and apologized. Hadhrat Ja'far said: "I do not take back what I had given." When the man learnt who Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq was, he left feeling very ashamed.

8. A man said to Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh): "Show me Allah. I want to see Him with my eyes."

Hadhrat Ja'far: "Have you not heard (i.e. in the Qur'aan) it is said to Musaa (alayhis salaam): 'You cannever see Me.' ?"

The man said: "I have heard it. But this is the Millat (Deen) of Muhammad ( صلى الله عايه وسالم). Someone calls out: 'My heart has seen Allah'. Another says: 'I do not worship a being I cannot see'." (This man was referring to statements of the Auliyaa of this Ummah. If they could make these claims, then there can be nothing wrong in the demand to see Allah. So thought this man.)

Imaam Ja'far Saadiq ordered his mureeds (disciples) to tie the man and toss him into the river Dajla. This was done. The water swallowed him. As he bobbed up, he cried: 'O son of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم), help! Help!'

Hadhrat Ja'far exclaimed: 'O water take him.' The water submerged the man. This occurred several times. Each time when he surfaced, he cried out: 'O son of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم), help! Help!' Finally when he lost all hope, he called out: 'O Allah, help me!' Hadhrat Ja'far ordered his disciples to bring him out of the river. After the man had rested and gained his composure, Hadhrat Ja'far asked: "Did you see Allah?"

The man: "As long as I called to others, there remained a veil concealing Allah. When I turned my attention only to Him, seeking His aid, a window opened up in my heart from which I saw Him."

Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq said: Aslong as you called: 'Saadiq! Saadiq!', you were a kaathib (liar). Now guard this window."(Saadiq means true. As long as the man was calling 'Saadiq', his belief in Allah was defective, hence Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq described his as being kaathib. When he abandoned calling creation to aid him and turned his gaze to Allah, he became a true believer.)

9. Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh) said: "A sin preceded by khauf (fear of Allah) and followed by taubah (repentance) draws the servant closer to Allah. Ibaadat preceded by and followed by ujub (vanity) takes the servant far away from Allah."(This statement should not be misunderstood. Sin never leads to the proximity of Allah Ta'ala. Sin leads to the Wrath and punishment of Allah. The statement here means that the person understands the act to be sinful. He does not justify the sin. He has no intention of committing the sin. He is always fearful of Allah's punishment. However, in a moment of weakness and negligence, his nafs overwhelms him and casts him into sin. He then regrets and repents.)

10. He said: "A man who is proud on account of his ibaadat, is a sinner and a sinner who regrets and repents is an obedient servant."

11. Hadhrat Ja'far Saadiq (rahmatullah alayh) was asked: "Who is superior–a patient durwaish or a wealthy man who is grateful?"Hadhrat Ja'far said: "The patient durwaish. The heart of the wealthy man is attached to his wealth while the heart of the durwaish is with Allah Ta'ala."

(Durwaish or dervish–a pious poor person.)

12. He said: 'Ibaadat without taubah is not proper because Allah Ta'ala has placed taubah before ibaadat. The Qur'aanic aayat says: “Those who engage in Taubah, those who are involved in ibadah..”

First taubah is mentioned. (This statement does not mean that ibaadat is not valid if not preceded by taubah. However, when a man contaminated by sin worships Allah, he does not derive the full benefit and reward of the ibaadat. The bandah–servant of Allah–should therefore, always repent.)

13. He said: "True Thikr (remembrance of Allah) is to forget everything else. Allah Ta'ala suffices for all the things forgotten by virtue of His Thikr."

14. He said: "A Mu'min is he who always stands in confrontation of his nafs. An Aarif is he who stands in the presence of Allah Ta'ala."

15. He said: "Whoever struggles against his Nafs-e-Ammaarah for the sake of Allah, finds Allah."

16. He said: "Ilhaam (inspiration from Allah) is an attribute of the accepted servants of Allah."

17. He said: "The attempt to rationally disprove ilhaam is a sign of the irreligious people."

18. He said: "Allah Ta'ala is more hidden in His servants than a black ant walking on a black stone in an intensely dark night."

19. He said: "The secret of reality was unlocked for me when I was branded a madman." (True lovers of Allah Ta'ala are generally branded as mad by people of the world.)

20. "Among the good fortunes of a man is that his enemy is an intelligent person."

21. He said: "Beware of the company of five persons:

A liar. You will always be misled by him.A stupid person. Even if he intends to benefit you, he will harm you without realising it.A miser. He will destroy your valuable time.A coward. He will leave you in the lurch at the time of need.A faasiq. On account of greed, he will betray you for a morsel of food.

22. He said: "Allah Ta'ala also has paradise and hell on this earth. Paradise is safety and hell is unsafety. Paradise is to assign all affairs to Allah. Hell is to assign all affairs to the Nafs-e-Ammaarah."

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